Somber welcome home for fallen Wayne County soldier

Private First Class Andrew Sass died last week during a training exercise in Fort Irwin, California. (WTVD)

WTVD

Saturday, June 28, 2014

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) --

A somber welcome home Saturday for a Wayne County soldier.

Private First Class Andrew Sass died last week during a training exercise in Fort Irwin, California.

His body returned to RDU Airport on Saturday morning.

Dozens of people showed up, including the fallen soldier's parents, wife, and young son.

Sass' wife was visibly emotional and shook the hands of Patriot Guard Riders standing at attention.

The motorcyclists escorted the soldier's body back to Goldsboro.

"For this many to come out, they're here for the right reasons," said Charles Bullock, one of the Patriot Guard Riders. "Remember those who have wrote a blank check to serve their country up and including their lives."

Sass will be honored Monday at a "celebration of life" ceremony at the Stoney Creek Free Will Baptist Church in Goldsboro.